Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the last 18 months has taught us lessons about the pace and nature of change and the need to respond to multiple vulnerabilities at the same time.
While addressing the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum, Bainimarama says we all have realised the importance of building consensus and working together.
Bainimarama says our region needs bold and decisive leadership to respond to these extraordinary challenges.
He adds despite these troubling times, there is opportunity and hope as we look to collectively recover and build back better guided by inclusive and consistent vision, very much akin to the inaugural forum 50 years ago.
Bainimarama says the Pacific Island Forum is the strongest demonstration of their collective aspirations and priorities which reflects the will of the people they serve.
He further says together they have strengthened their advocacy on climate action, cemented their leadership on ocean governance and built an open democratic inclusive and peaceful region.
Bainimarama adds our region has evolved significantly from when our founding fathers first met in New Zealand in 1971.
Bainimarama also acknowledged the presence of the new Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.
He says it is always a proud moment when a daughter of the Pacific ascends to this high office adding he knows hers was not an easy passage but they are very proud to welcome her.
Bainimarama also says he offers his deepest apologies to their Micronesian Brothers adding they could have handled this situation better but he remains confident that they will find a way forward together.
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